Scientists linking rainforest canopy and floor layers examine effects of falling materials on soil processes, decomposition rates, and nutrient availability. The study aims to understand the connection between these factors and global climate change.
Researchers mapped yeast genetic interaction networks, finding that genes interact in 'neighbourhoods' and predicting traits. The study provides new insights into how genes contribute to human disease.
A study of nearly 200 patients found that company doctor adherence to guideline standards reduced absenteeism but decreased patient satisfaction. Factors such as employee pessimism and anxiety disorders also predicted unfavourable outcomes.
Imperial College London researchers have discovered the detailed mechanism of the photosynthetic water-splitting reaction, enabling the potential for industrial-scale hydrogen production. This breakthrough could provide a promising alternative to fossil fuels and address global energy demands.
Research by Martin Muurling found that mice on low-fat diets were more sensitive to insulin, suggesting a low-fat diet may be a more effective remedy for diabetes. The study also showed that consuming fish oil had no positive effects on reduced insulin sensitivity.
The Indiana University-Kenya AIDS program has received an expanded grant, allowing for the treatment of up to 15,000 HIV-infected individuals in rural communities. The new funding will also establish two additional rural programs and support educational initiatives for medical students and providers.
A Stanford study found that Listeria bacteria can survive for long periods outside of its hosts and thrive in the gall bladder, posing a risk of food poisoning. The research suggests that the organ's unique environment makes it an ideal place for the bacteria to grow, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices.
A study by Northwestern Memorial researchers found that taking baby aspirin or enteric-coated aspirin with Plavix provides a good blood-thinning effect, similar to full adult-dose aspirin. The results suggest that combining these medications can enhance the effectiveness of Plavix in reducing vascular events.
The European organization aims to create a virtual office to facilitate international collaboration and development of new research programs. Researchers will be able to work from various locations throughout Europe.
The researchers solved the structure of the hemagglutinin protein, a crucial component in understanding the 1918 flu outbreak. The study reveals that the virus likely originated from birds and its unique surface proteins made it particularly deadly to young adults.
Researchers found that exposure to thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, can interrupt growth factor signaling and cause adverse effects on methylation reactions. This can lead to disorders such as autism and ADHD in infants and children.
A UK-based study found that individuals who received blood components from donors later diagnosed with vCJD were at increased risk. Researchers also discovered that the BSE agent can be transmitted through intravenous routes, highlighting concerns for possible transfusion cases.
The study reveals a direct activational signal from the synapse to the protein synthesis machinery, enabling neurons to boost protein production rapidly during long-term memory formation and synaptic strengthening. This discovery has significant implications for understanding psychiatric and neurologic diseases, potentially leading to ...
A four-year study published by Ohio State University researchers found that attempting a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Despite this, many women continue to opt for VBAC due to the relatively low level of risk involved.
A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.
Researchers discovered a possible reason for biodiversity in the Andes by comparing North and South American warming over millennia. The region's gradual warming may explain less extinction and increased susceptibility to global warming.
Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Researchers developed a device called NeuroFlo that increases blood flow to the brain by diverting it from lower extremities. The study tested its safety and effectiveness on 17 patients with ischemic strokes, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for 10 out of 15 conscious patients.
Researchers investigated the effects of caffeine (SRC) and melatonin (Mlt) on jet lag symptoms. The study found that Mlt decreased subjective sleepiness but not objective sleep quality, while SRC reduced sleepiness for a few days with negative effects on recovery sleep. Additional studies are needed to evaluate their full effects.
The Severn Estuary Partnership has received £150,000 funding to improve and develop sustainable access to and around the estuary. The project aims to boost local economies by promoting local produce and enhance nature conservation values.
Researchers develop gene therapy to enhance islet cell function and survival after transplantation. The technique uses a growth factor DNA to induce cell division, improving insulin production and glucose control in rat models. However, standard immunosuppression drug therapy may be harmful, inducing insulin resistance and diabetes.
A team of international researchers, including University of Colorado at Boulder professor Robert Hohlfelder, are searching for the lost fleet of Persian warships in the seas off Greece's northern coast. The team used sonar, a manned submersible submarine and a remotely operated vehicle to locate the site, which was chosen after local ...
Researchers have discovered a link between cystic fibrosis and fatty acid defects, with abnormally high levels of arachidonic acid and low levels of docosahexaenoic acid found in patients. The study suggests that correcting this imbalance may lead to new treatment options for the disease.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researcher is developing a compound to neutralize anthrax toxin, which could be injected into healthy humans as a preventive measure or given to infected individuals as an antidote. The goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment for bioterrorist anthrax attacks.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a miniature device sensitive enough to detect a single virus particle, with applications in environmental health monitoring and homeland security. The device uses a tiny cantilever that vibrates at a specific frequency when a virus particle lands on it, allowing for real-time detection.
Researchers used post-mortem spinal cord tissue to identify a unique gene expression profile in ALS patients, revealing distinct changes underlying the terminal stages of the disease. The study distinguishes between familial and sporadic ALS forms, providing insights into the molecular pathophysiology of neurodegeneration.
A membrane protein called NCX1 plays a crucial role in regulating the frequency and strength of heartbeats by transporting calcium into and out of heart cells. The protein generates electrical currents that contribute to excitation and contraction, making it an important key to understanding cardiac function.
The study found that school sports participation was associated with lower odds of currently smoking cigarettes. However, both chewing tobacco and snuff use were higher among athletic adolescents, indicating that sports do not help keep students away from less incendiary forms of tobacco.
Researchers found that 68% of patients experienced a reduction in pain intensity of greater than 33%, indicating promising relief. The biotoxin blocks slow sodium channel nocicipetive pain fibers in a highly selective way, making it a potential treatment option for cancer pain.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a strain of mice with the c. elegans gene fat-1, which converts omega-6 acids to omega-3s. The transgenic mice produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, opening up possibilities for farm animals that naturally produce omega-3 rich food products.
A new procedure, carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) with distal embolic protection (DEP), has shown zero neurological complications in a study involving 21 patients. The minimally invasive technique adapts techniques used to open heart vessels for brain arteries, significantly reducing risk of stroke and death compared to t...
Researchers found that Dahl R rats exhibit efficient spatial navigation, while Dahl S rats display poor spatial navigation. Analysis of F1 male progeny implicated the X chromosome in the impairment observed in Dahl S rats.
A study found that menthol cigarettes, like Newport, are more attractive to teens, while brand-name cigarette use is concentrated among adolescents. The researchers also discovered that tobacco advertising and promotion budgets increased significantly during the 1990s, contributing to the popularity of certain brands.
The study found that 82% of patients had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while 6.75% had specific identifiable underlying disorders. Combination hormonal therapy improved most symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, and menstrual dysfunction in 86%, 81%, and 80% of cases respectively.
A study analyzing HMO medical groups found that with efficient care, primary and specialist physicians can serve a large patient population with significantly fewer doctors. The HMOs had about 1 physician for every 650 patients, compared to the current US supply of 1 per 400.
The Acoustical Society of America sponsors two annual awards for outstanding popular works on acoustics. Entries must be published or broadcast between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003, and meet criteria for accessibility, relevance, accuracy, and quality. The winners will receive a $1000 prize and an award certificate.
Babytalk plays a crucial role in infants' development of temporal arts, such as literature and music. Depriving babies of poetic elements like alliteration and assonance may hinder their ability to appreciate these arts later on. Researchers argue that babytalk is more significant than previously thought.
A study of 3,288 teenage girls found that those with multiple sexual partners were more likely to have unprotected sex and experience negative health consequences. Girls tend to limit their partners as they progress through high school, but education before ninth grade may help reduce these risks.
Graduate student Sommer Gentry investigates haptic communication in swing dancing and its potential applications in robotic surgery, human-robot collaboration, and urban warfare. Her research has shown that pure haptic communication is sufficient for humans and robots to move in coordination.
Rising star in chemistry, Jianpeng Ma, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the structure-function relationship of biological molecules. His innovative approach uses computer simulation to explore this connection, paving the way for furthering our fundamental understanding of chemistry.
Researchers have created a strain of mouse whose muscle cells continuously produce mIGF-1, leading to significant muscle regeneration and tissue repair. This breakthrough sheds light on how stem cells specialize and integrate into damaged tissues.
Purdue University researchers have engineered plants to produce a non-toxic form of selenium called methylselenocysteine, which has shown promise in reducing cancer risk in animal models. The plants can also accumulate high levels of selenium, potentially providing a natural source for nutritional supplements and environmental cleanup.
A recent study found that 25% of teenage girls experience major depression, highlighting the need for earlier identification and treatment. Decreases in social support and increases in smoking were linked to increased depressive symptoms.
A study found that high levels of CRP in blood are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, particularly in individuals who do not smoke. Elevated CRP concentrations were also found in people with rectal cancer, but the association was weaker.
Scientists found a significant link between clouds and pollution transport in the Asian-Pacific region. Clouds mask pollutants from spacecraft sensors, leading to underestimated pollution levels.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with higher CRP levels were more likely to develop colorectal cancers over an 11-year period. Median CRP levels were higher among those who developed colon cancer, and inflammation was linked to increased risk without being mediated by diabetes.
A study found that a computer-aided detection system did not change mammography recall rates or breast cancer detection rates, suggesting it may not be beneficial in academic practices. The results were similar even when focusing on the seven highest-volume radiologists at the center.
A randomized trial found that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 did not lower the risk of recurrent stroke. However, moderate reduction in blood amino acid levels was associated with a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and death.
A study found that nursing home residents who wander, exhibit verbally abusive behavior, or have cognitive impairment are more likely to provoke injuries in others. Male residents and those living in Alzheimer's units were also at higher risk. The authors suggest focusing on the behavior of injured persons to prevent incidents.
Researchers discuss the need for additional research and standardization in partial-breast irradiation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A new study also finds that preoperative chemoradiation may benefit some patients with rectal cancer, while a diet high in glycemic load is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A recent study found that high-dose vitamin therapy had no effect on preventing recurrent strokes and heart attacks. The VISP study involved 3,680 adults who received either a low or high dose of folic acid, B6, and B12 vitamins.
A new study by Cornell University's Liam O'Neill found that distance from a hospital significantly impacts access to medical facilities and outcome for heart attack victims. The study estimates that patients living far from hospitals face a higher risk of death from heart attacks, with approximately 60% expiring before reaching the hos...
A $4 million grant aims to conserve Papua New Guinea's rainforest by discovering medicinal plants. The project seeks compounds active against tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and cancer, with the goal of providing economic development and biodiversity conservation.
A recent study found a significant link between increased levels of C-reactive protein and colon cancer risk. However, the study's findings do not suggest that C-reactive protein is a definitive marker for colon cancer risk.
Researchers found that brain waves change with each breath, suggesting a new understanding of how sleep apnea affects the brain. The study's novel algorithm detected changes in brain wave activity linked to breathing cycles, promising potential for predicting daytime sleepiness and treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that disabled children with psychosocial problems are less likely to receive mental healthcare, particularly younger and black children. In contrast, joint care coordination between a health professional and family member improved access to outpatient services.
Astronomers have discovered a possible link between a comet impact in the 6th century and the 'Dark Ages.' The comet's debris caused a prolonged cold period, similar to a nuclear winter, resulting in crop failures and widespread starvation. A small comet size was needed to cause such dramatic effects.
Researchers have discovered a new deep-sea jelly, Stellamedusa ventana, which uses its bell and oral arms to capture prey. The jelly's unique feeding strategy is unlike other species, as it prefers larger prey, with some individuals capturing creatures up to 5 cm across.
Researchers detected ClOOCl in the polar stratosphere, triggering ozone destruction through three-step process. The discovery was made during a joint US-European science mission using NASA's ER-2 aircraft.
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit difficulty controlling muscles due to brain damage, rendering everyday tasks challenging. An innovative therapy approach has yielded significant benefits in enhancing motor function and overall quality of life for treated children.